SF Giants: Three Key Takeaways From the Reds Series

SF Giants: Three Key Takeaways From the Reds Series

2. Pitching, pitching, and more pitching

Before the game on Thursday, the Cincinnati Reds averaged 5.12 runs per game, which is a hair behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (5.14 runs per game) for the top spot in the National League.

The Giants starting pitching has been the story all year and they continued that trend in the hitter-friendly confines of the Great American Ballpark (GABP). Despite facing off against a potent offense at the GAPB, the pitching staff had no issues.

Giants pitching combined to yield just nine runs across four games, including a shutout in Wednesday’s 4-0 victory. The starting staff led the way:

• Logan Webb: 6 innings, 6 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts.
• Anthony DeSclafani: 7 innings, 6 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts.
• Kevin Gausman: 6 innings, 1 hit, 0 runs, 2 walks, and 8 strikeouts.
• Johnny Cueto: 5 innings, 5 hits, one run, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts.

It is tough to ignore the fact that three of the four starting pitchers previously pitched for the Reds. Gausman had a brief stint with Cincinnati in 2019, but DeSclafani (2015-2020) and Cueto (2008-2015) each pitched at least five years in a Reds uniform.

They seem to be off to greener pastures now. From the bunch above, it is tough to pick the best performance as all were good. In the case of Gausman and DeSclafani, they added another strong start to their respective all-star résumés.

However, it was not all good news from the SF Giants pitching staff. Logan Webb had to be removed from his start due to shoulder discomfort and he was eventually placed on the injured list. With that being said, the right-handed hurler is not expected to be out for an extended period of time.

SF Giants: Three Key Takeaways From the Reds Series

3. Tyler Rogers solidifies himself as the closer

Tyler Rogers is off to a strong start this year and he may be in the running for a spot on the National League All-Star team. In 25.2 frames, the submarine-style thrower has registered a 0.70 ERA, 3.56 FIP, 0.818 WHIP, and a solid 2.60 SO/W ratio while being worth 1.2 WAR.

He began the year as a high-leverage reliever but he has pitched his way into the closer role. Jake McGee began the year as the team’s closer, but he hit a rough patch due in part to high usage. The lefty continues to see high-leverage innings, but it is clear that Giants manager Gabe Kapler has more trust in Rogers.

There were not many close moments in this series, but Rogers was called upon to preserve a 6-3 lead on Monday. No lead is safe at the Great American Ballpark, but the 30-year-old’s ground ball-heavy approach is a perfect fit for the stadium.

Rogers induced three ground balls, including a single and an error, as well as a fly out to close out the game without much excitement. That is what fans want with their closers: To be as boring as possible.

Rogers appeared in Wednesday’s match in the ninth inning of a 4-0 game. Despite it being a non-save situation, he was called upon to close out the game and he did just that.

The Austin Peay State University product has not yielded a run since April 25 while being used heavily in Gabe Kapler’s bullpen. In fact, Rogers has the most appearances of any pitcher in baseball so far this year.

The Giants bullpen has been shaky at times, but roles tend to be defined when you have a good reliever at the end of the game. Rogers is beginning to look like a closer, and it is up to the remaining bullpen arms to carve out roles as well.